The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought information about assets, bank accounts and money laundering of former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and his wife Ayesha Akhter Panna at home and abroad. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has sent a letter in this regard.
ACC deputy director Md. The letter signed by Zahid Kalam was sent to BFIU. It requested the supply of information and money laundering documents of Asif Mahmud, his wife and individuals of their interests, institutions or companies living at home and abroad.
The ACC said Asif Mahmud is accused of various irregularities and corruption, including the acquisition of illegal assets, formation of a company in the country, taking foreign citizenship and money laundering. Financial and resource information has been sought as part of the investigation into these allegations.
The letter sought information about the accounts of Asif Mahmud and those involved in his interests in the banks and non-banking financial institutions in Bangladesh. These include information on various financial products including savings and current accounts, debit and credit cards, lockers, loans, savings certificates, FDR, DPS. The transactions and related records of these accounts have also been collected and reviewed.
The information of assets and investments abroad is also important in the search. The ACC letter sought information about the allegations of land purchase in Portugal, Australia, Dubai, Singapore and Switzerland, investment, bank accounts, money laundering and formation of shell companies. In these countries, it has been asked to take initiative to check whether Asif Mahmud or the person, institution or company has any assets or investments in these countries.
Earlier, the ACC started investigating four people, including Asif Mahmud, on charges of irregularities in recruitment, promotion and transfer while in charge of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. As part of his investigation, documents related to the appointment, promotion and transfer of officers and employees were also sought in the ministry.
On September 13th, the ACC decided to investigate a number of other charges against Asif Mahmud. The allegations include recruitment to Dhaka North and South City Corporation, DC post in different districts, tender process, development projects of the local government ministry, bribery and money laundering.
However, the ACC said the allegations made against money laundering and wealth abroad were the demands of the complainants. The veracity of these allegations is being investigated. At the same time, Asif Mahmud will also be verified with the assets, bank accounts, investments and foreign companies of his interest-related individuals and institutions.